Updated July 2026
Celebrating the Arts in the Heart of the South
The Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, South Carolina was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti in his quest to establish a duplicate of The Festival of Two Worlds held annually in Spoleto, Italy. In his planning of an American Spoleto Festival he searched for a city that offered the same charm of Spoleto, Italy with its abundance of theaters, churches, and other performance spaces.
Charleston, SC was selected as the ideal spot for an annual festival to showcase established and rising future artists in opera, dance, theater, classical music, and jazz of both national and international renown. Menotti spoke of Charleston as a city with Old World charm in both architecture and gardens, a place where one could comfortably walk from one theater to the next and yet having a large enough community of visitors to warrant the 150 performances he planned.
The Festival's goal is to offer programs of the highest artistic degree while closely keeping their commitment to young artists and all forms of innovation in the performing arts, while still providing unusual performance opportunities for established artists as well. This aspect of the Festival provides young artists the opportunity to work with and gain valuable experience from veteran directors, designers, performers and world-renowned artists.
Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra
Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra Photo by Leigh Webber Photography
provided by spoletousa.org
The members of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra are selected by nationwide auditions to form the Festival's resident ensemble. Over the years, the Festival Orchestra has proven to be an opportunity for young musicians to gain extensive performance experience. Alumni of the Spoleto orchestra can be found in almost every professional orchestra in the United States and also internationally.
What are the dates for Spoleto Festival USA?
The 17-Day 2027 Spoleto Festival USA will run from May 28 through June 12, 2027. It is a great time to visit the Charleston area as spring is the season of colorful azaleas, dogwoods, and flowering blooms between March and June. It is important to note that humidity levels are high in Charleston so you may find Charleston hot. Some call Charleston weather moderate in the spring, ranging between 65 to 80 degrees. Restaurants and indoor venues usually keep their locations pretty cool so you may want to carry a light long sleeved shirt with you to account for the difference in tempature and humidity entering and exiting indoor venues.
Taking a tour with Carolina Marine Group ... That's Us :) is a great way to enjoy the cool ocean breeze while learning about Charleston. Captain Dave is not only knowledgible regarding Charleston History but knows how to have fun. You can learn more about the tours we offer or fill out our custom tour booking form to make sure you have the perfect tour crafted just for you.
What are the venues for Spoleto Festival USA?
The venues for Spoleto Festival USA shift a bit each year, so checking the latest info is key if you want to keep up with where all the action is. For 2025, performances and exhibits will take place across some of Charleston’s most iconic and accessible spaces. Typically the lineup includes the Charleston Gaillard Center, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston Music Hall, College of Charleston Sottile Theatre, College of Charleston Cistern Yard, Festival Hall, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Circular Congregational Church, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, Emmett Robinson Theatre, Simons Center Recital Hall, Charleston County School of the Arts Rose Maree Myers Theater, and The Riviera. Each venue offers wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations to make sure all guests feel welcome and comfortable
What is Piccolo Spoleto?
In 1979, after hosting two years of mini Spoleto festivals, Charleston’s Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. launched the Piccolo Spoleto Festival to highlight Charleston’s local performing artists, creating the perfect complement to the national and international scope of its parent festival. The ‘new’ Piccolo Spoleto Festival is operated by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.
What is the Opening Spoleto Event?
Start Spoleto Off Right!
If you're looking for the perfect way to kick off Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston has you covered with standout events. Start your festival experience off with the Opening Ceremony at Charleston City Hall, located at the historic intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets. This free public event includes chiming church bells, lively speeches from the steps of City Hall, surprise performances, and festive energy to get you in the Spoleto spirit. Then, as the sun goes down, make your way to the iconic U.S. Custom House for the Sunset Serenade with the Charleston Symphony. This beloved free outdoor concert, part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, begins at 8:00 PM. Bring a beach chair or blanket, grab your crew, and enjoy an unforgettable night of music under the stars in one of Charleston’s most scenic spots. Whether you choose one event or both, it’s a high-energy and memorable way to launch your Spoleto weekend.
What is the Closing Spoleto Event?
The Spoleto Festival USA wraps up with a free community celebration in Hampton Park. This open-air finale features live music performances and a variety of food vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends and family, and join fellow festival-goers in marking the end of Charleston’s premier arts event. It's a perfect way to conclude the festival with music, food, and community spirit.
What Events Will be at Spoleto 2027?
Spoleto 2027 has something for everyone.
There are so many events that happen every year including a host of offerings by artists that are a part of Piccolo Spoleto Festival. To keep up on the events happening this year always check the official Spoleto Festival website.
Where to Stay
Charleston offers a range of accommodations for people attending the Spoleto Festival. Downtown Charleston is the most popular area to book a place to stay as it is conveniently located near the festival venues and provides easy access to the city's attractions. Here are some options for places to stay in downtown Charleston.
4* and 5* Hotels near the Spoleto Festival in Charleston’s Historic District:
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